Statement re Hays plc

21 October 2008

Announcement from Hays PLC

As disclosed by Hays on 28 July 2006, the Office of Fair Trading ('OFT') is
conducting an investigation into possible breaches of competition law by a
number of recruitment companies operating in the construction recruitment
sector, including Hays.  The investigation relates to a small part of Hays'
Construction & Property business in the UK.

Today the OFT has issued a statement of objections setting out its preliminary
conclusions, which we will now review and respond to. We take this matter very
seriously and we are co-operating fully with the OFT, under the OFT's leniency
programme.

Following an internal investigation, we are confident that the matter being
investigated by the OFT was an isolated matter and that appropriate steps have
been taken. The Board continues to believe that any financial impact of the
matters under investigation will not have a material impact on the Group.

At this stage, whilst the legal process is ongoing, we will not be making any
further comment.

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Enquiries

Hays plc                                                                

Paul Venables              Finance Director      + 44 (0) 20 7383 2266  
Martin Abell               Investor Relations    + 44 (0) 20 7383 2266  
                                                                        
Brunswick                                                               
Gill Ackers / Catherine Colloms                  + 44 (0) 20 7404 5959